LSU Tigers vs. Texas A&M Aggies: Betting Odds, Analysis, College Football Pick

Two SEC teams wrapping up disappointing regular seasons will square off Thursday when the LSU Tigers visit the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field.

The Tigers have lost their last two games but have won the last three meetings with the Aggies both straight up and against the spread since they joined the conference, including a 24-19 road win two years ago as 3.5-point favorites.

Point Spread: The Tigers opened as two-point favorites. As of Wednesday afternoon, they're favored by three points.

Odds Shark Computer Pick: Tigers 32.3, Aggies 25.2

Why the LSU Tigers Can Cover the Spread

LSU is coming off a bye week after losing two in a row as an underdog, so technically the team was not supposed to beat the Arkansas Razorbacks on the road or the Alabama Crimson Tide at home.

Before that two-game skid, the Tigers won three in a row SU and ATS, and the loss to Alabama was in overtime. Plus, if you look at how the Razorbacks beat Ole Miss last week 30-0, the Tigers' 17-0 loss does not look as bad.

While LSU head coach Les Miles probably would not want to hear any excuses, his Tigers are young and still learning how to play in big games.

Against another young team with similar flaws, bettors should like LSU’s chances.

Why the Texas A&M Aggies Can Cover the Spread

Texas A&M is a difficult team to figure out this season. The last two games for the Aggies pretty much sum up the up-and-down roller coaster their backers have experienced in 2014, winning straight up as 23.5-point underdogs at Auburn and then losing at home as 3.5-point favorites against Missouri.

While it is hard to make an argument for a team that is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games, do not forget the 5-0 start, including a 3-1 mark vs. the line in the first four.

Texas A&M is also off a bye and had some extra time to think about the loss to Mizzou.

The Aggies know they are already building up the program for next year and would love to get another home win here. They are 4-1 ATS as home dogs since 2009.

Smart Pick

Selecting a side in this game is almost like picking the lesser of two evils considering how they have both played this season.

At its best, Texas A&M is a scoring machine that can beat just about any team in the country—at home or on the road. At their worst, the Aggies are undisciplined and can get blown out no matter where they play.

Meanwhile, the Tigers have had trouble scoring lately, totaling just 23 points in their past three games combined.

LSU is also just 1-4 SU and ATS in its last five road games against SEC opponents, which is the key trend in this conference matchup. Texas A&M will give thanks for its home field here on Thanksgiving and pull off the win.

Betting Trends

• LSU is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games.
• Texas A&M is 4-1 ATS as a home underdog since 2009.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.